Labor Day Camping, Hiking & Mountain Biking Weekend

Labor Day escape

Head out of town from the same old summer holiday routine. Enough city barbecues, already!

Fahnestock State Park is a gorgeous area which hosts a section of the Appalachian Trail among others.  We will camp lakeside and explore the woods, waters & trails all weekend.

The Terrain

The hiking is a rugged experience over steep shale and great elevation changes. Breathtaking views from ten viewpoints offer sweeping vistas of the wilderness for miles. You don’t need to be an expert at any of the activities, but you do need to be in very good physical shape.

You need to be comfortable riding a bike, but expert mountain biking skills are not required.  This trip is not for beginner bikers.

Please review the Intensity Level, to make sure this trip is appropriate for you.

Event Details

  • Saturday Depart 73rd Street and Broadway at 8:30 AM (check in 8:00 sharp) 5 mile hike and set up camp
  • Sunday Morning mountain biking and afternoon hiking; swimming & fun at camp
  • Monday Half day hike; return to NYC around 6:00 PM
  • Need a Tent? Rent one from us for $15. Tents are double-occupancy; you will be paired with someone of your own gender.
  • Need some gear? Go to Tents & Trails and tell them you are signed up for Outdoor Bound’s Catskills trip and you will receive a 10% discount. Visit our Partners page for store details.

Want to share this event or trip?

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Everything you will need for a great weekend

  • Medium or large daypack (45 liters or 3500 cubic inches)
  • Hiking boots
  • Hiking socks
  • Quick-drying clothes: T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, pants, hiking shorts
  • Hat
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Headlamp or small flashlight
  • Sleeping Bag—rated to at least 30 or 40 degrees
  • Sleeping pad
  • Toiletries
  • Flip-flops or comfy shoes for the campsite
  • Money for snacks on the road
  • Polypro tights (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Liner socks (optional)
  • Small towel (optional for swimming)
  • Bathing suit (optional for swimming)
  • Tent (or rent from us for $15)
  • Small pillow (optional)

Bring your lunch, three liters of water and snacks for Saturday. All other meals provided. Bring money for road snacks.

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The Plan for Adventure

Sept 4

Hiking and Camping

Today we depart Manhattan and head for camp.  An hour and a half drive delivers us to a beautiful section of Fahnestock State Park.  Set up camp, then an afternoon five mile hike. 

Back at camp, your guides prepare your hard–earned dinner and we will relax by the fire under a canopy of stars.

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The Plan for Adventure

Sept 5

Mountain Biking and Hiking

Rise and shine to a hearty breakfast, fueling us for a day’s adventure away from camp. Full day of adventure is in store!  Morning Mountain Biking over woods & streams.

Next up, a four and a half mile hike to round out the day, and a swim if you like!  The wild blueberries will be out, and we will enjoy stunning views from a precipice.  Back at camp, we’ll relax and have dinner.

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The Plan for Adventure

Sept 6

Hiking

Last day of our adventure weekend is a good seven mile hike, starting after breakfast.  We’ll break camp, then head out on sections of the Appalachian Trail, sneak a peek at an abandoned mine and pass several ponds, lakes and vistas.

We’ll have you back in NYC around 7:00 PM, happy and tired.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Overview

Adventures at All Skill Levels

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

  • Activity

    How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

  • Distances

    You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

  • Surfaces

    What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

  • Elevation Change

    The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

  • Altitude

    The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 1

Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

  • Activity

    You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

  • Distances

    For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

  • Surfaces

    You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

  • Elevation Change

    There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

  • Altitude

    Less than 3,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 2

Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

  • Activity

    You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

  • Distances

    Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

  • Surfaces

    You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

  • Altitude

    From sea level to 6,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 3

Moderate — for Novices and Above

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

  • Activity

    We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

  • Distances

    Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

  • Surfaces

    We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

  • Altitude

    From sea level to 10,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 4

Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

  • Activity

    You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

  • Distances

    Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

  • Surfaces

    These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

  • Altitude

    From sea level to 14,000 feet.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3 - 4.

Level 5

Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

  • Activity

    You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

  • Distances

    You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

  • Surfaces

    On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

  • Elevation Change

    There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

  • Altitude

    Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.

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You need to be in very good physical shape for this weekend. The hikes are over steep, loose trails and can be very challenging. You cannot weigh more than 200 lbs. for horseback riding.

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Labor Day Camping, Hiking & Mountain Biking Weekend

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Bringing a Friend or Two?

Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.

Reminder about Trip Conditions

We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.

Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.


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Testimonials

Your guides did a fantastic job on our Mountain Bike trip. It was so much fun, I almost felt as if I was a high school kid out on a field trip with two of the favorite gym teachers!! — Patrick